Accra: Ghana has launched the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR) in Accra, marking a significant step towards ensuring state protection of human rights in business operations, respect for these rights by businesses, and ensuring access to effective remedies when violations occur.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative aims to promote compliance and accountability in human rights by business actors, while ensuring the respect and protection of vulnerable and marginalized groups within business activities. This launch positions Ghana as the fifth African nation to develop such a plan, joining Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and Liberia.
The NAP-BHR document spans 101 pages and is available in both hard and soft copies, including a braille version for inclusivity. The launch also introduced an official NAP-BHR website to enhance access. Dr. Sylvia Adusu, Chief State Attorney, conducted the launch on behalf of Dr. Dominic Ayine, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
Dr. Ayine emphasized the importance of Ghana joining other African countries in developing a NAP-BHR, especially following the first African Business and Human Rights forum held in Ghana in 2022. The international community has been keenly observing Ghana's progress in this area, and the country will now be recognized at the upcoming African Business and Human Rights forum in Zambia and Geneva for its 'progressive NAP.'
He reiterated the state's commitment to business and human rights, as reflected in the 1992 Constitution, and assured that the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice would ensure the adoption and achievement of the NAP-BHR's objectives. Dr. Ayine also acknowledged the contributions of partners in the NAP-BHR project and urged their continued support.
Dr. Joseph Whittal, Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), stated that while the document is a milestone, it is only a step towards ensuring state protection of human rights, business respect for these rights, and access to remedies for violations. CHRAJ is tasked with coordinating and monitoring compliance across the country.
Dr. Whittal called on both local and international partners to support the Commission in establishing a fully equipped and functional NAP Implementation Secretariat. He expressed CHRAJ's commitment to implementing the NAP and supporting the government in achieving its recommendations.
Mr. Mohammed-Anwar Sadat Adam, Country Director of Oxfam, highlighted the launch as a commitment to a future where economic development aligns with human dignity, social justice, and environmental sustainability. He noted that businesses contribute significantly to Ghana's GDP, and emphasized the importance of ensuring that business growth does not come at the expense of human rights.
Mr. Adam pointed out the challenges in the extractive industries, where economic potential often comes with risks to communities, particularly women, children, and marginalized groups, due to land grabs, environmental degradation, and poor labor conditions. He stressed that the global demand for minerals for energy transition and green technology should not override community rights or the responsibilities of businesses and the state to protect and respect human rights.
The Ghana National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (2025-2029), developed by CHRAJ, the Office of the Attorney General, and its partners, aims to improve access to remedies for victims of business-related human rights violations.
